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Biomedical subjects

R J Mumper

Publications and source records attributed to R J Mumper.

16 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Evaluation of blood-brain barrier thiamine efflux using the in situ rat brain perfusion method.

Thiamine is an essential, positively charged (under physiologic conditions), water-soluble vitamin requiring transport into brain. Brain thiamine deficiency has been linked to neurodegenerative disease by subsequent impairment of thiamine-dependent enzymes used in brain glucose/energy metabolism. In this report, we evaluate brain uptake and efflux of [3H]thiamine using the in situ rat brain perfusion technique. To confirm brain distribution was not related to blood-brain barrier endothelial cell uptake, we compared parenchymal and cell distribution of [3H]thiamine using capillary depletion. Our work supports previous literature findings suggesting blood-brain barrier thiamine uptake is via a carrier-mediated transport mechanism, yet extends the literature by redefining the kinetics with more sensitive methodology. Significantly, [3H]thiamine brain accumulation was influenced by a considerable efflux rate. Evaluation of the efflux mechanism demonstrated increased stimulation by the presence of increased vascular thiamine. The influx transport mechanism and efflux rate were each comparable throughout brain regions despite documented differences in glucose and thiamine metabolism. The observation that [3H]thiamine blood-brain barrier influx and efflux is regionally homogenous may have significant relevance to neurodegenerative disease linked to thiamine deficiency.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Evaluations of unformulated and formulated dendrimer-based microbicide candidates in mouse and guinea pig models of genital herpes.

Prevention of sexually transmitted infections is a priority in developed and developing countries. One approach to prevention is the use of topical microbicides, and one promising approach is the use of dendrimers, highly branched macromolecules synthesized from a polyfunctional core. Three new dendrimer products developed to provide stable and cost-efficient microbicides were initially evaluated in vitro for anti-herpes simplex virus activity and then in vivo by using a mouse model of genital herpes. From these experiments one product, SPL7013, was chosen for further evaluation to define the dose and duration of protection. Unformulated SPL7013 provided significant protection from genital herpes disease and infection at concentrations as low as 1 mg/ml and for at least 1 h following topical (intravaginal) administration of 10 mg/ml. This compound was then formulated into three vehicles and further evaluated in mouse and guinea pig models of genital herpes infection. In the murine evaluations each of the formulations provided significant protection at concentrations of 10 and 50 mg/ml. Formulated compounds provided protection for at least 1 h at a concentration of 10 mg/ml. From these experiments formulation 2V was chosen for dose ranging experiments using the guinea pig model of genital herpes. The guinea pig evaluations suggested that doses of 30 to 50 mg/ml were required for optimal protection. From these studies a lead compound and formulation (2V of SPL7013) was chosen for ongoing evaluations in primate models of simian immunodeficiency virus and Chlamydia trachomatis infection.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Nanoparticle technology for drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier.

Nanoparticles (NP) are solid colloidal particles ranging in size from 1 to 1000 nm that are utilized as drug delivery agents. The use of NPs to deliver drugs to the brain across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) may provide a significant advantage to current strategies. The primary advantage of NP carrier technology is that NPs mask the blood-brain barrier limiting characteristics of the therapeutic drug molecule. Furthermore, this system may slow drug release in the brain, decreasing peripheral toxicity. This review evaluates previous strategies of brain drug delivery, discusses NP transport across the BBB, and describes primary methods of NP preparation and characterization. Further, influencing manufacturing factors (type of polymers and surfactants, NP size, and the drug molecule) are detailed in relation to movement of the drug delivery agent across the BBB. Currently, reports evaluating NPs for brain delivery have studied anesthetic and chemotherapeutic agents. These studies are reviewed for efficacy and mechanisms of transport. Physiological factors such as phagocytic activity of the reticuloendothelial system and protein opsonization may limit the amount of brain delivered drug and methods to avoid these issues are also discussed. NP technology appears to have significant promise in delivering therapeutic molecules across the BBB.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Chitosan-based nanoparticles for topical genetic immunization.

Numerous studies have reported the prophylactic and therapeutic use of genetic vaccines for combating a variety of infectious diseases in animal models. Recent human clinical studies with the gene gun have validated the concept of direct targeting of dendritic cells (Langerhan's cells) in the viable epidermis of the skin. However, it is unclear whether the gene gun technology or other needle-free devices will become commercially viable. The objective of our studies was to investigate the topical application of chitosan-based nanoparticles containing plasmid DNA (pDNA) as a potential approach to genetic immunization. Two types of nanoparticles were investigated: (i) pDNA-condensed chitosan nanoparticles, and (ii) pDNA-coated on pre-formed cationic chitosan/carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) nanoparticles. These studies showed that both chitosan and a chitosan oligomer can complex CMC to form stable cationic nanoparticles for subsequent pDNA coating. Selected pDNA-coated nanoparticles (with pDNA up to 400 microg/ml) were stable to challenge with serum. Several different chitosan-based nanoparticles containing pDNA resulted in both detectable and quantifiable levels of luciferase expression in mouse skin 24 h after topical application, and significant antigen-specific IgG titer to expressed beta-galactosidase at 28 days.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2001

Dendritic cell delivery of plasmid DNA. Applications for controlled genetic immunization.

Positive human clinical data using biolistic-mediated gene transfer (i.e., gene gun) to administer a nucleic acid-based Hepatitis B vaccine has validated genetic immunization as an effective clinical vaccine modality. Although the precise mechanism of action has yet to be determined, preclinical studies using jet injection have indicated that direct targeting of resident antigen presenting cells (Langerhan's cells) in the skin as the primary immunological driving force for the potent and long-lived immune response. Moreover, positive results with topical delivery of genetic vaccines and ex vivo loading of dendritic cells with antigen has strengthened the movement toward directly targeting antigen presenting cells as a means to amplify, control, and mediate the immunological consequences of prophylactic and/or therapeutic genetic vaccines. Despite these encouraging results with the gene gun, it is unclear whether this technology will translate into commercially available vaccines due to potential product development barriers such as cost and convenience. It is clear that safety concerns in using genetic approaches to treat and prevent disease have highlighted the need for strict product requirements for genetic vaccines. A plausible strategy to meet these requirements is to combine controlled plasmid delivery systems with tissue-specific gene expression systems.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

The stabilization and release of hirudin from liposomes or lipid-assemblies coated with hydrophobically modified dextran.

Hirudin is a 65-amino acid peptide and the most potent and specific known inhibitor of thrombin (K(i) = 0.2 pM). The short elimination half-life of hirudin from the body (1 hour) necessitates the use of a sustained and controlled delivery system. A proliposome method was used to entrap hirudin in liposomes coated with palmitoyl dextran-coated liposomes and lipid-assemblies. In vitro release studies of hirudin were performed using the lipid systems enclosed in dialysis membranes or deposited in the pores of a vascular graft. The activity of hirudin and released hirudin was measured using a thrombin chromogenic substrate assay. Entrapment efficiencies of hirudin in lipid-assemblies approached 100%, however, the release of hirudin from these systems was rapid with 90% released in 17 hours. Entrapment efficiencies of hirudin in coated-liposomes ranged from 5% to 55% and were dependent on several variables. Palmitoyl dextran- coated-liposomes showed a burst of 30% hirudin released in 5 hours with an additional 10% to 35% released over the next 600 hours. In all samples, 30-40% of the hirudin remained associated with the lipid-systems even after 600 hours. The released hirudin retained only 33% of its ability to inhibit thrombin when released from uncoated liposomes. However, hirudin retained 95% of its thrombin inhibitory activity when released from palmitoyl dextran-coated liposomes. Coated liposomes were found to stabilize hirudin and result in greater retention of hirudin's ability to inhibit thrombin's enzymatic activity, although the mechanism is not yet understood.

Dextrans↗
PubMed1999

Synergistic effect of formulated plasmid and needle-free injection for genetic vaccines.

PURPOSE: A plasmid-based gene expression system was complexed with protective, interactive, and non-condensing (PINC) polymer system and administered with Medi-Jector, a needle-free injection device (NFID), to achieve high and sustained levels of antigen-specific antibodies in blood circulation. METHODS: Human growth hormone (hGH) or bacterial beta-galactosidase gene expression plasmids driven by a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter were formulated in saline or complexed with a PINC polymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and intramuscularly or subcutaneously administered into dogs and pigs using a 22-gauge needle or a NFID. The hGH-specific IgG titers in serum were measured by an ELISA. Beta-galactosidase expression was measured in injected muscles by an enzymatic assay or immunohistochemistry. The effect of NFID on DNA stability and topology was assessed by gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Intramuscular (i.m.) or subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of a hGH expression plasmid pCMV-hGH (0.05-0.5 mg/kg) in dogs and pigs elicited antigen-specific IgG antibody titers to expressed hGH. With both routes of injection, pDNA delivery by a NFID was superior to pDNA injection by needle. The magnitude of hGH-specific IgG titers with NFID was 15-20-fold higher than needle injection when pDNA was complexed with PVP, and only 3-4-fold higher with pDNA in saline. The transfection efficiency in the injected muscle, as measured by beta-galactosidase expression, following i.m. injection of pCMV-betagalactosidase/PVP, was not significantly different between needle and NFID-injected groups. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that the combination of pDNA/ PVP complexes and a NFID act synergistically to achieve high and sustained levels of antigen-specific IgG response to expressed antigen. This gene delivery approach may offer advantage over needle injection of naked DNA for the development of genetic vaccines.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Chitosan and depolymerized chitosan oligomers as condensing carriers for in vivo plasmid delivery.

Chitosan is a polysaccharide that demonstrates much potential as a gene delivery system. The ability of a commercially available chitosan and depolymerized chitosan oligomers to condense plasmid was determined using TEM and microtitration calorimetry, while the diameter and stability of the resultant complexes were measured using laser light scattering. Selected complexes were physically stable to challenge with both serum and salt solutions. Parameters such as chitosan molecular weight, plasmid concentration and charge ratio influenced such stability. The effect of including a pH-sensitive endosomolytic peptide on the physicochemical properties of the complex was determined. The presence of a pH-sensitive endosomolytic peptide enhanced the levels of reporter gene expression in Cos-1 cells 4-fold. A selected complex containing a lytic peptide was administered in the upper small intestine and colon of rabbits, and reporter gene expression was measured in defined intestinal tissues. Reporter gene expression was enhanced in defined intestinal tissues, although levels of expression remained low. The combination of strong complex stability and low in vivo expression levels suggest that uptake and/or decomplexation, but not endosomal release, may be the critical rate-limiting steps in the uptake process.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Systemic effect of human growth hormone after intramuscular injection of a single dose of a muscle-specific gene medicine.

A muscle-specific gene medicine is described that provides for long-term secretion of biologically active human growth hormone (hGH) from skeletal muscle into the systemic circulation. The hGH gene medicine is composed of a muscle-specific hGH plasmid expression system complexed with a protective, interactive, non-condensing (PINC) delivery system. The muscle-specific gene expression system, pSK-hGH-GH, was constructed by linking the promoter/enhancer regions of chicken skeletal alpha-actin to hGH gene. C2C12 myoblast transfection with pSK-hGH-GH resulted in the synthesis of hGH in a muscle-specific manner. Direct injection into rat tibialis cranialis muscle of pSK-hGH-GH complexed with a polymeric PINC delivery system, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), produced hGH levels in muscle that were 10- to 15-fold higher compared with plasmid formulated in saline at 14 days post-injection. Intratracheal instillation in rat lung of pSK-hGH-GH did not produce significantly detectable levels of hGH. In hypophysectomized rats, a single intramuscular dose of the pSK-hGH-GH/PVP complex resulted in hGH expression and a subsequent increase in serum levels of rat IGF-I and growth. hGH expression and effects on rat serum IGF-I levels were detectable up to 28 days after injection of formulated plasmid and effects on growth were detectable unto 21 days. Anti-hGH antibodies were detectable in serum at 14 days post-injection, reached a plateau at 21 days, and remained elevated through the study period. Cyclosporin treatment of the pSK-hGH-GH/PVP-injected animals completely inhibited the antibody response and resulted in increased hGH expression.

Actins↗
PubMed1998

Protective interactive noncondensing (PINC) polymers for enhanced plasmid distribution and expression in rat skeletal muscle.

We have developed protective interactive noncondensing (PINC) polymers, such as poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), to protect plasmids from extracellular nuclease degradation while allowing the flexible complex to diffuse throughout the muscle tissue. Molecular modeling, zeta potential modulation, and ethidium bromide intercalation studies were performed to assess the mechanism of interaction between PVP and plasmid. The effect of salt concentration, pH, and polymer-plasmid ratios were investigated. We have correlated these variables with beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) expression after intramuscular administration to rats. PVP can form hydrogen bonds with the base pairs within the major groove of DNA at pH 4.0. The PVP-plasmid interaction results in a complex that is more hydrophobic (less negatively charged) than the uncomplexed plasmid due to the vinyl backbone of PVP. Up to a ten-fold enhancement in gene expression in rat muscle over the use of 'naked' DNA has been demonstrated using these systems. A linear structure-activity relationship (SAR) was found between the percent vinyl pyrrolidone monomer content in poly (vinyl pyrrolidone-covinyl acetate) polymers and beta-gal expression in muscle. Modulation of the interaction between PINC polymers and plasmid directly impacts the levels of gene expression in vivo. The linear SAR is being used to design novel PINC polymers with enhanced binding affinity to plasmids.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Polyvinyl derivatives as novel interactive polymers for controlled gene delivery to muscle.

PURPOSE: DNA plasmids (pDNA) can be taken up by and expressed in striated muscle after direct intramuscular injection. We have developed interactive polymeric gene delivery systems that increase pDNA bioavailability to muscle cells by both protecting pDNA from nucleases and controlling the dispersion and retention of pDNA in muscle tissue. METHODS: A DNA plasmid, containing a CMV promoter and a galactosidase reporter gene (CMV-beta-gal), was injected either in saline or formulated in polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solutions. Interactions between PVP and pDNA were assessed by dynamic dialysis, Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC), and Fourier Transformed Infra Red (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Formulations (50 mu l) were injected into rat tibialis muscles after surgical exposure. Immunohistochemistry for beta-gal was used to visualize the sites of expression in muscle. RESULTS: Beta-gal expression using pDNA in saline reached a plateau while beta-gal expression using PVP formulations increased linearly in the dose range studied (12.5-150 mu g pDNA injected) and resulted in an increase in the number and distribution of cells expressing beta-gal. The interaction between PVP and pDNA was found to be an endothermic process governed largely by hydrogen-bonding and results in protection of pDNA from extracellular nucleases. CONCLUSIONS: Significant enhancement of gene expression using interactive polyvinyl-based delivery systems has been observed. The improved tissue dispersion and cellular uptake of pDNA using polyvinyl-based systems after direct injection into muscle is possibly due to osmotic effects.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Novel delivery system for inducing quiescence in intestinal stem cells in rats by transforming growth factor beta 1.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Intestinal mucosa, a tissue in a dynamic state of rapid cellular proliferation, is often adversely affected by cytotoxic drugs. The purpose of this study was to develop an oral delivery system targeting transforming growth factor (TGF) beta 1 locally and analyze its effects on the epithelial stem cells of gastrointestinal mucosa. METHODS: Rats were treated with recombinant TGF-beta 1 in alginate beads perorally or with recombinant TGF-beta 1 in phosphate-buffered saline perorally or intraperitoneally. Control animals received phosphate-buffered saline only. The size of the villi was measured. Proliferating and mitotic indices were determined by quantifying immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen. RESULTS: Alginate beads released no TGF-beta 1 in acid. However, in pH 7.4, TGF-beta 1 was released in an active form. Histomorphometrical analysis showed a marked reduction in villus height (50%-70%) in the intestinal mucosa of animals treated perorally with recombinant TGF-beta 1 in alginate beads. Also, the proliferating and mitotic indices were significantly reduced (P < 0.01) in these animals as compared with controls and other routes of administration. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that recombinant TGF-beta 1 administered using a novel oral delivery system induces stem cell quiescence in the intestinal mucosa of the rat.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1992

Poly(L-lactic acid) microspheres containing neutron-activatable holmium-165: a study of the physical characteristics of microspheres before and after irradiation in a nuclear reactor.

The solvent evaporation technique was employed to prepare poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) microspheres with 165Ho acetylacetonate (Ho-AcAc). Particle size, percentage Ho-165, percent residual solvent, and retentive ability of the spheres were found to be strongly affected by preparatory conditions. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms suggested that the Ho-AcAc existed in the PLA matrix as a molecular dispersion. High neutron flux irradiations of the PLA spheres in a nuclear reactor produced Ho-166, a therapeutic radionuclide that emits high-energy negatrons (Emax = 1.84 MeV; half-life = 26.9 hr). The gamma radiation dose (53-75 Mrad) from the core of the reactor provided an overkill of all bioburdens in the PLA spheres. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis showed that these irradiations caused a reduction in PLA molecular weight. Infrared spectra, 13C NMR spectra, 1H NMR spectra, and DSC thermograms further confirmed the presence of lower molecular weight PLA but proved the overall maintenance of PLA structure.

Bacillus↗
PubMed1992

Polymeric microspheres for radionuclide synovectomy containing neutron-activated holmium-166.

Poly-L-lactic acid (PLA) microspheres containing neutron-activated 166Ho were investigated as potential agents for radionuclide synovectomy. Stable 165Ho, complexed to acetylacetone (AcAc), was incorporated into PLA spheres by the solvent evaporation technique. Spheres prepared with the optimal mean particle size of 7.2 microns (range 2-13 microns) containing 25.4% 165Ho-AcAc (9.1% 165Ho) were irradiated in a high neutron flux to produce 31.1-36.0 mCi 166Ho. In vitro human plasma studies showed that the irradiated spheres retained 99.0 +/- 0.01% of the 166Ho at 314 hr. In-vivo retention studies were conducted by administering irradiated PLA spheres with 257-591 microCi 166Ho into the joint space of normal rabbits (n = 6). Biodistribution analysis and gamma camera analysis showed 166Ho retention in the joint space after 120 hr of 97.7% +/- 0.8% and 98.2% +/- 2.4%, respectively, with no uptake by the lymph nodes. The ease with which the PLA spheres can be made in the optimal size range for later irradiation and their ability to retain the 166Ho make them attractive agents for radionuclide synovectomy.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Neutron-activated holmium-166-poly (L-lactic acid) microspheres: a potential agent for the internal radiation therapy of hepatic tumors.

Biodegradable Poly(L-lactic acid) microspheres containing neutron-activable 165Ho were designed for internal radiation therapy of hepatic tumors. Spheres composed of Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) were prepared with excellent reproducibility containing up to 36% of a holmium complex. The prepared spheres were irradiated in a high neutron flux converting 165Ho to 166Ho (Emax = 1.84 MeV, half-life = 26.9 hr). Thus, these microspheres can be prepared under conditions that do not require the handling of a hazardous radionuclide, and then irradiated just prior to administration. In vitro studies in plasma (n = 6) revealed 97.3% (+/- 1.9) retention of 166Ho in the microspheres after 240 hr. PLA spheres administered via the portal vein in rabbits (n = 6) show 94.5% (+/- 3.4) retention of the original 166Ho activity in the liver after 6 days.

Animals↗